Beach Camping 101

                                  A Beginner's Guide on How to Have the Best Summer Vacation 

                                                                     By Wendi Garcia

     Frolic on the sand, bask on the warmth of the sun and enjoy the sweet salty aroma of the ocean air and the grilled barbecues. Is there any better way tospend the summer than to go on a nice beach camping trip? Probably none.

     But just like any camping trip, a beach camping won't be successful and memorable without proper planning and preparation. Here are some tips on how to havea blast in your first beach camping experience:

     Pick a reputable beach resort that allows for camping. Check if you need to make reservations so you can do the necessary arrangements. Find out if there is access to safe drinking water source. If not, make sure you bring sufficient drinking water.
     Create a checklist for your things to make sure you don't forget anything. For a beach camping trip, some of the camping equipment you'll need are tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, flashlight, camping cookware, stove, eating utensils, matches and first aid kit. For you personal items, don't forget your sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun hat, toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and so on), clothing, rope (to make a clothesline for your swimsuits), and of course, food and water.
     Pick a camp spot to pitch your tent that is located way above the high tide line so you don't risk waking up all wet the next day. Smooth out the sand and remove stones and sticks before you stake your tent to make your sleeping more comfortable.
     Prepare sumptuous meals. Food fresh from the grill like grilled fish or chicken are great to eat on the beach. Marinade the meat at home so you just have to grill them when you get to the beach. A portable grill will come in handy. It's a good idea to prepare easy-to-cook meals so you don't have to spend all day cooking. Don't forget the snacks too.
     Keep yourself hydrated. Bring coolers and stock them with drinks to refresh you anytime you need to quench your thirst. The heat of the sun can easily dry you out.
     Beach camp chairs are also fantastic to bring on the beach to give you an area where you can relax and watch the waves of the sea while you get yourself some tan.
     Prepare activities to do at the beach. Flying kites, building sand sculptures, fishing or playing board games, volleyball, or frisbee are just some of the many enjoyable activities and games to do on the beach.
     Don't bury your trash. Dispose of trash properly by putting them in designated trash areas.
     Use wet sand to wash your dishes.
     When you're at the beach, sand gets into everything—into the parts of your stove or into the lens of camera. Be sure to protect these things by keeping them covered or not leaving them out in the open.
     Never throw out anything into the sea. Remember that respect for nature should always be a top priority in whatever you do.
     If you are to build a campfire, be sure to completely extinguish it before you sleep or leave the campsite.


     With the beautiful coastlines and exquisite beach resorts this country has to offer, the beach is definitely the place to be during the hot summer days.